Notre Dame Football: Four former Irish players named to PFF's All-Pro List

Notre Dame Football: Four former Irish players named to PFF’s All-Pro List

By Matt Clark | Jan 5, 2020

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Running Back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 after scoring a two point conversion in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Since leaving Notre Dame to enter the NFL, Harrison Smith has been feared as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the league. In addition to his bone-jarring tackling ability, Smith has served as a lock-down safety for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings selected Smith with the 29th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft and he has rewarded the team for doing so ever since. He was named to PFF’s second-team All-Pro list this season with a grade of 89.8.

On the season Smith had 85 total tackles with three interceptions and one forced fumble. The former Irish standout would only allow 18 receptions to opposing receivers on the year. While his 89.8 grade is excellent, it pales in comparison to his 2017 PFF grade of 98.8, which was the highest grade ever received by a safety in PFF history.

Next. Todd Lyght out at Notre Dame. dark

Smith has been a perennial Pro Bowl selection, having been named to the team every year since 2015. In addition, he was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and a second-team All-Pro in 2018. Despite not being named an All-Pro this season, he was named to a Pro Bowl.

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